IEH: A talented population

The third annual Artists and Craftsmen Show featuring the work of the residents at Island Elderly Housing, (IEH) opens Saturday, October 9, from 1 to 3 pm. The show has helped to encourage the creative population of IEH to develop and express their talents in a variety of media — painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, needlepoint, books, fibers, and other crafts.

The artists and craftsmen will be exhibiting their work in the Community Room of Woodside Village 2 (across Vineyard Haven/Edgartown Road from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School). Some of their work will come as no surprise to Islanders. Over the years, some artists have generated fans. Other artists will be debuting their work.

But the atmosphere promises to be congenial, and all the artists will gladly talk about their techniques and inspiration to those interested. Some of the art on display will be for sale.

IEH, founded by Margaret Love, Marguerite Bergstrom, and Carol Lashnits, has been serving the Vineyard community since 1977. With a waiting list for occupancy, it now offers 165 affordable apartments to the Island’s low-income elderly and disabled. The four separate IEH campuses include Woodside Village and Aidylberg Village in Oak Bluffs and Hillside Village and Love House in Tisbury.

And if the impressive show of crafts and art doesn’t prepare visitors for a lively event, IEH is continuing its “Free Hugs Campaign”, part of an international movement to “make the world a little more friendly.” (Globally, the Free Hugs videos on YouTube have been watched by more than 60,000,000.) IEH residents have brought the campaign to the Island and have gathered at various places around the Island greeting people with open arms.

The IEH annual Artists and Craftsmen Show opens Saturday, October 9, from 1 to 3 pm in the Community Room of Woodside Village 2. Call 508-693-5880 ext.12.